Great Day Camp Ideas for Kids
If your vacation to Whistler falls over the summer break, rest assured that there is no shortage of activities for kids. From sailing to tennis to downhill mountain biking, Whistler’s gung-ho sporting culture will embrace your kids too.
Tennis, Anyone?
Whistler Tennis Academy is conveniently located in the heart of Whistler just north of Lorimer Road. Kirk Patterson, the Director of the Academy, has a solid reputation for hiring the best of certified tennis coaches who are fantastic with kids. The beauty of the Tennis Academy is that their summer day camps are drop-in: attend one full week, or just one day. The rates are affordable and the camps run from 9 am to 12 pm, leaving your child with the afternoon to spend with you at the lake, or on the mountain bike trails. The camps offer instruction for all ages and abilities of kids.
Mountain Biking for a Day or Every Day
Whistler Blackcomb has a well-developed kids mountain bike camp program. Kids can choose downhill biking only camps, or camps combining downhill biking with cross country trail biking. The latest bikes and equipment can be rented, as well as helmets and protective body armour. As with the fantastic Whistler Blackcomb ski school program, these all-day summer day camps run like a well-oiled bike.
Another option for kids into mountain biking are the WORCA (Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association) kid’s day camps. The camps run all day and take advantage of the many kilometres of municipal and volunteer-maintained bike trails throughout the valley.
Options Abound…
Kids Combo Camps directors are passionate about tennis – and lots of other sports too. In fact, the camps, which combine a number of different sports into a week-long day camp program, appeal to kids who don’t want to spend all day doing just one sport (decisions, decisions). The camps run all day and your child will be tired out at pick-up time. Choices include tennis, water sports, biking and many more.
Sail Away on Alta Lake
Whistler Sailing Club has run very popular day camps for years on Alta Lake with a focus on safety and competency on the open water. And the Alta Lake water temperature in summer is very conducive to learning the ins and outs (and outs and overs) of small sail craft. Camps run all day for all ability levels.
Pack Your Club
Whistler Golf Club runs a popular golf summer program for kids. Rentals are available and pricing is geared to encourage kids and families to try out the game.
Grab a Paintbrush…
For kids with an artistic bent, the Audain Art Museum runs art camps throughout the summer. Usually running in the morning, the camps leave kids free for some more active fun in the afternoon. The Audain Art Museum is a beautiful building for kids to spend time in, and the camps utilize the priceless art housed in the Museum for education and inspiration.
Of course, day camps can be tiring and something to think about may be a pick and choose day camp that does not require attendance for the whole week. With intense sports being par for the course in Whistler, by mid-week, your child may just want to lie on the sand all day at Rainbow Park!
Photo Credit: Mike Crane
